It seems like forever and a day since I last blogged, but life is life (profound, I know) and things have finally returned to my semblance of normalcy. I have been vlogging pretty regularly so check out my YouTube Channel and let me know what you think!

One of my favorite things to do is share reviews on beauty products, because whenever I'm about to make an impulse buy I have my phone in hand, googling reviews...and it's tricky to find honest ones. I joined Influenster recently, and in exchange for my honest opinions they've sent me VoxBoxes (goodies from companies and brands I may be interested in).

I received the YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks in #09 Rose Stiletto and #19 Fuscia.








- The lipstick is very moisturizing and goes on smooth, leaving your lips with a sheen.
- The lipstick does not stay put but the stain is long lasting.




I was not compensated for this post, I received the products from Influenster for testing purposes.

Join Influenster to receive products you're interested in to review:
http://www.influenster.com/r/1136162

Check out my first Unboxing and full review:

I cannot stop obsessing over Deepika Padukone, she is basically my Britney circa 2000 - official Queen. I love Deepika not only because of her acting but because she encompasses everything I want from Bollywood: classic beauty with a new age, liberal personality that challenges taboos.

If there's one thing I absolutely know about makeup, it's that it is an art and your skin is the canvas upon which you paint and create...at least that's what I tell my husband when he complains about me taking too long to get ready. The Mona Lisa wasn't created in a day, so maybe give me props for only taking an hour to perfect my wing.

Although I've been wearing makeup since I was 13, I've only really started wearing foundation in the last few years. I had mistakenly believed that foundation always looked unnatural, cakey, or constricted your skin, or was to cover up problem areas but thanks to Instagram and the sudden influx in my selfies I realized that good foundation isn't just a layer, it is an enhancement. It is a base that helps erase concerning areas. And so it has become a staple in my makeup routine.




And when you start using phrases like "my makeup routine" you need a skincare routine that cleanses and purifies your face. I have a rigid morning and night routine, but after taking a brief (and ill-conceived) reprieve from my regiment, I can tell you how necessary it is. Good skin requires patience, time, and dedication. That means not only using high end or drugstore products to cleanse, scrub, or tone; using natural remedies and masks; healthy diet; and sleep you also need to make sure you're using good products on your skin. It is exhausting.

Imagine my delight when I received the Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation, in my Influenster VoxBox. I decided to join the Maybelline 3 Week #BetterSkinChallenge because it promises two things: full day coverage and better skin!



I was apprehensive about wearing foundation every day in 84°F weather, but the foundation is deceptively lightweight. I decided to forgo my concealer, what can I say? YOLO. And abandoned my skin care because I like to live on the edge. I put my trust in Maybelline and I now believe! They weren't kidding about that 0.5% ACTYL-C and its antioxidant benefits, because my skin looks brighter, more balanced, and my pores are less visible.


The shade I received was 30 Warm Nude which was lighter and less orange than I usually get, but it blended perfectly with my skin. I wore the foundation in the day and night and it transitioned beautifully. I love that it's SPF 15 because I didn't need to layer it in the daytime, and it stayed put even when I was sweating glowing profusely. If you're interested in actually seeing my week-by-week review of the experience, check out my YouTube video.



And if you'd like to take the Better Skin Challenge, check out Maybelline.com for a special $2 off coupon.